midlife crisis

American  

noun

1. a period of psychological stress occurring in middle age, thought to be triggered by a physical, occupational, or domestic event, as menopause, diminution of physical prowess, job loss, or departure of children from the home.

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midlife crisis British  

/ ˈmɪdˌlaɪf /

noun

1. a crisis that may be experienced in middle age involving frustration, panic, and feelings of pointlessness, sometimes resulting in radical and often ill-advised changes of lifestyle

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Etymology

Origin of midlife crisis

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

"The real midlife crisis in America isn't about lifestyle choices or sports cars. It's about juggling work, finances, family, and health amid weakening social supports," Infurna said.

From Science Daily • Feb. 1, 2026

For me, the urge to tame a two-wheeled beast wasn’t some fleeting or idle fantasy—a septuagenarian version of a midlife crisis.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

"Many have described it as a midlife crisis," Mr Conner joked.

From BBC • Aug. 16, 2025

Goldberg: And it will either trigger or prevent our midlife crisis.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 15, 2025

My Aunt Helen used to say that my dad was going to be too proud to have a midlife crisis.

From "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky